December 2025 Newsletter

Reily Goyne
Dec 18, 2025
3 min read

Governor Appoints Jackie Keller to KPAAB

Governor Laura Kelly announces Jackie Keller of Topeka, Kansas as the newest appointee to the Kansas Pet Animal Advisory Board (KPAAB) as the private citizen representative. She loves animals and is an advocate for better laws protecting pet animals. In the photo to the left she is with her rescue dog, Festus.

Jackie works as the Conservation Outreach Coordinator for the Kansas Rural Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening small and family farms and supporting rural communities.

Jackie participated in the Kansas Rural Center’s Clean Water Farms program in 2002, and in 2011 she received the NRCS Water Quality Award for Shawnee County. Over the years, she has implemented numerous conservation practices through NRCS programs, including the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) and the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), which she has actively utilized for the past decade.

Jackie serves on her Farm Service Agency County Committee, contributing to local agricultural decision-making. In her current role, she is dedicated to promoting conservation among small-scale, diversified, organic, regenerative, and underserved producers. Congratulations Jackie!

KPA Board Meeting UPDATE

At the Kansas Pet Animal Advisory Board (KPAAB) Kansas Pet Animal Advisory Board meeting on Wednesday, December 3, Animal Facilities Inspection (AFI) program staff shared the following information:

The Department of Administration approved the set of new regulations proposed on September 9. These regulations have now been sent to the Attorney General’s office, which will check their legality. (See the full regulations process here)

The AFI program will not pursue a statutory change to the stray-hold requirements to allow shelters to foster unweaned puppies and kittens off-site during the stray-hold period. (NOTE: Kansas Pet Advocates is exploring opportunities to introduce and pass a bill this session. More news to come.)

AFI gave about $25,000 through its Spay/Neuter Cost Share program to seven shelters and rescues. This funding supported the spaying and neutering of several hundred dogs and cats.

Here is the presentation from the December meeting.

The next Kansas Pet Animal Advisory Board meeting will be on March 11, 2026, at 10:00 AM on Zoom. If you want to get emails about future meetings, email Heather Landsdowne and ask to be put on the meeting notice list.

KPA Visits Always & Furever Midwest Animal Sanctuary

Kansas Pet Advocates (KPA) recently toured Always & Furever Midwest Animal Sanctuary in Osawatomie, Kansas, a remarkable haven where senior, sick, abused, and abandoned dogs find comfort and love. At Always & Furever, every dog gets the simple joys they deserve: warm meals, soft couches and dog beds, soothing classical music, and endless snuggles. Here, they can simply be while they wait for a family who will cherish them for the rest of their lives.

This location is where lighthouses first began, where each dog and cat has their own little home to stay in while they wait for their forever home. Always and Furever Board member, Kathy Campbell explains how this sanctuary embodies the mission they strive for: creating a world where no dog is discarded and every soul knows they matter, she explains more in this video.

Showcase Your Work: Host a Legislative Tour!

The Kansas Legislative Session begins January 12, 2026, and now is the ideal time to reach out to your Kansas State Representative and Senator. Consider inviting them to tour your facility so they can see firsthand the vital work you do.

Meeting with legislators is one of the most effective ways to advocate for animals and influence meaningful policy change. Because lawmakers hear from many voices every day, it’s important to make your message clear, memorable, and compelling.

Tips for a Successful Legislative Meeting:

Schedule and prepare thoughtfully
Share your story with purpose
Build lasting relationships with lawmakers

You can find your local legislators' contact information here. If you have any questions or need help, please contact Terry Humphrey or Reily Goyne.